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DLTODARO
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Dec 29, 2012, 7:10 AM
Post #1 of 6
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Heater core 2001 Blazer
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Have a 2001 Blazer 4x4 w/ ZR2 package. The issue is heater core,, I paid to have it replaced after purchase in 2005 and again in 2010 by my self and brother in law. What a job. It has again gone out, dont understand why. I did replace radiator, water pump, intake gaskets all this summer so my only guess is debris has somehow damaged it. But the replacements are really junk with there swivel necks and seals. Cant find good ole copper and solder.
Anyways not really up to the 7 hour job it was last time so " Can I access the heater core a different way than removing the whole dash". Even if that means cutting a hole in the top of dash or firewall?
Thanks
Don
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 29, 2012, 7:57 AM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: Heater core 2001 Blazer
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No, you cannot short cut it in any way. You need to flush the system thoroughly and then fill it with Dexcool. I would then test for electrolysis in the coolant with a voltmeter.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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DLTODARO
New User
Dec 29, 2012, 8:04 AM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: Heater core 2001 Blazer
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Why dexcool, everything I read steers away from dexcool. It still gets hot just fogging windows and smell. Will a product such as Blue devil seal the leak?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 29, 2012, 8:11 AM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: Heater core 2001 Blazer
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Don't believe everything you read from non-professionals.
DO NOT put sealer in the system or you will be replacing the radiator too.
Read this bulletin
INFORMATION
Bulletin No.: 05-06-02-001A
Date: July 16, 2008
Subject:
Information On Aluminum Heater Core and/or Radiator Replacement
Models:
2005 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (including Saturn)
2003-2005 HUMMER H2
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-06-02-001 (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).
Important:
2004-05 Chevrolet Aveo (Pontiac Wave, Canada Only) does not use DEX-COOL(R). Refer to the flushing procedure explained later in this bulletin.
The following information should be utilized when servicing aluminum heater core and/or radiators on repeat visits. A replacement may be necessary because erosion, corrosion, or insufficient inhibitor levels may cause damage to the heater core, radiator or water pump. A coolant check should be performed whenever a heater core, radiator, or water pump is replaced. The following procedures/ inspections should be done to verify proper coolant effectiveness.
Caution:
To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if the radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.
Important:
If the vehicle's coolant is low, drained out, or the customer has repeatedly added coolant or water to the system, then the system should be completely flushed using the procedure explained later in this bulletin.
Technician Diagnosis
^ Verify coolant concentration. A 50% coolant/water solution ensures proper freeze and corrosion protection. Inhibitor levels cannot be easily measured in the field, but can be indirectly done by the measurement of coolant concentration. This must be done by using a Refractometer J 23688 (Fahrenheit scale) or J 26568 (centigrade scale), or equivalent, coolant tester. The Refractometer uses a minimal amount of coolant that can be taken from the coolant recovery reservoir, radiator or the engine block. Inexpensive gravity float testers (floating balls) will not completely analyze the coolant concentration fully and should not be used. The concentration levels should be between 50% and 65% coolant concentrate. This mixture will have a freeze point protection of -34 degrees Fahrenheit (-37 degrees Celsius). If the concentration is below 50%, the cooling system must be flushed.
^ Inspect the coolant flow restrictor if the vehicle is equipped with one. Refer to Service Information (SI) and/or the appropriate Service Manual for component location and condition for operation.
^ Verify that no electrolysis is present in the cooling system. This electrolysis test can be performed before or after the system has been repaired. Use a digital voltmeter set to 12 volts. Attach one test lead to the negative battery post and insert the other test lead into the radiator coolant, making sure the lead does not touch the filler neck or core. Any voltage reading over 0.3 volts indicates that stray current is finding its way into the coolant. Electrolysis is often an intermittent condition that occurs when a device or accessory that is mounted to the radiator is energized. This type of current could be caused from a poorly grounded cooling fan or some other accessory and can be verified by watching the volt meter and turning on and off various accessories or engage the starter motor. Before using one of the following flush procedures, the coolant recovery reservoir must be removed, drained, cleaned and reinstalled before refilling the system.
Notice:
^ Using coolant other than DEX‐COOL(R) may cause premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always use DEX‐COOL(R) (silicate free) coolant in your vehicle.
^ If you use an improper coolant mixture, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost would not be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Flushing Procedures using DEX-COOL(R)
Important:
The following procedure recommends refilling the system with DEX-COOL(R), P/N 12346290 (in Canada, use P/N 10953464), GM specification 6277M. This coolant is orange in color and has a service interval of 5 years or 240,000 km (150,000 mi). However, when used on vehicles built prior to the introduction of DEX-COOL(R), maintenance intervals will remain the same as specified in the Owner's Manual.
^ If available, use the approved cooling system flush and fill machine (available through the GM Dealer Equipment Program) following the manufacturer's operating instructions.
^ If approved cooling system flush and fill machine is not available, drain the coolant and dispose of properly following the draining procedures in the appropriate Service Manual. Refill the system using clear, drinkable water and run the vehicle until the thermostat opens. Repeat and run the vehicle three (3) times to totally remove the old coolant or until the drained coolant is almost clear. Once the system is completely flushed, refill the cooling system to a 50%-60% concentration with DEX‐COOL(R), P/N 12346290 (in Canada, use P/N 10953464), GM specification 6277M, following the refill procedures in the appropriate Service Manual.
If a Service Manual is not available, fill half the capacity of the system with 100% DEX-COOL(R), P/N 12346290 (in Canada, use P/N 10953464), GM specification 6277M. Then slowly add clear, drinkable water (preferably distilled) to the system until the level of the coolant mixture has reached the base of the radiator neck. Wait two (2) minutes and reverify the coolant level. If necessary, add clean water to restore the coolant to the appropriate level.
Once the system is refilled, reverify the coolant concentration using a Refractometer J 23688 (Fahrenheit scale) or J 26568 (centigrade scale) coolant tester, or equivalent. The concentration levels should be between 50% and 65%.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 30, 2012, 10:17 AM
Post #5 of 6
(3158 views)
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Re: Heater core 2001 Blazer
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Don - Are you saying this is on its third heater core already? Something is wrong with that scene. Pretty rare to me but I would be checking as HT suggested for some electrolysis problem. Ground things out if additional plain strap ground wires are easy and available.
I don't think this is about what type of antifreeze unless you are using battery acid this is too much. As said it calls for Dexcool which is still just a version of ethylene glycol and IDK why it or any is picking on the heater core?
Make sure hoses to core are correct. It would be a wild maybe that the input hose has too much direct pressure from the water pump. About all use a smaller hose for the in hose or an unseen restrictor in a hose so higher RPMs don't overwhelm the thing,
T
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